Fans Say

Chicago Tribune

By Michael Phillips

Yes, for every star there are five more also-rans and maybe-next-times. But there is honor and glory in being part of the blend. And, at the film's midpoint, when Clayton talks about the late-night recording session in 1969 of "Gimme Shelter," the memory takes on the glow of myth.

Boston Globe

By Ty Burr

20 Feet From Stardom may possibly be the happiest time you’ll have at the movies all summer, but it comes with a heavy load of frustration. The joy...is in the sound of women singing their big, beautiful hearts out. The pain comes from the anonymity they’ve spent their lives working under and fighting against.

The Hollywood Reporter

Neville unearths a treasure trove of archival TV, concert and film footage featuring many of these vocalists in their heyday, balancing the material with perfectly-lit contemporary studio interviews and performances shot in pristine digital cinematography, supplemented by more informal scenes depicting the frequent challenges of these musicians' careers.

Los Angeles Times

Rolling Stone

By Peter Travers

Sometimes it's racism; sometimes bum luck; sometimes it's producer Phil Spector putting Love's voice in another singer's mouth. You watch. You hear the gospel spoken in the voices of these women. And you marvel.

USA Today

By Claudia Puig

Audiences meet the most memorable voices in the world of backup singers. They perform with world-famous musical acts, but theirs are not household names. Their stories, however, are inspiring, heartbreaking and enthralling.

Film.com

Village Voice

By Ernest Hardy

It does what the most powerful films and music have always done, which is to spark contemplation of our own lives and choices, and our place in the world, while also stoking compassion and empathy for lives far removed from our own.

Variety

By Peter Debruge

For most of its running time, this personality-packed docu is nothing short of absorbing as it recaps the essential role African-American background singers played in shaping the sound of 20th-century pop music.

Photos

Get Updates On All Things Movies:

THANKS FOR SIGNING UP!

Send Me FanText

THANKS FOR SIGNING UP!

By entering your mobile number and clicking "SIGN ME UP!", you consent to our
Terms of Use and
Privacy Policy
and authorize Fandango and its service providers to deliver FanTexts and other promotional texts to your mobile phone using automated technology.
Text marketing authorization is not required for any purchase from Fandango.
Message and data rates may apply.
We will not send more than 5 msgs/month.
You can unsubscribe at any time by texting "STOP" or seek help by texting "HELP" to "FNDGO" (36346).